Though music is an important part of my identity today, it began as one of the most frustrating endeavors of my life. Playing the piano, singing, and songwriting didn’t seem too difficult at first, but failures and embarrassments quickly disillusioned me. At times, I wanted to quit. However, I persisted because, amid numerous setbacks, there were moments when everything made sense. Moments when the piano became a seamless extension of myself. Moments when I found the perfect lyrics and the confidence to share them with others. In these moments, I was reminded of what inspired me to explore my creativity in the first place: Calvin and Hobbes, the comic strip that completely changed my life. Though comics have a frivolous reputation, Calvin and Hobbes was a delicately nuanced work that showed me how any medium could be used to have an impact on others. The comic strip inspired me in many ways, and I realized that I wanted to do the same for others. This inspiration led me to the already-prevalent influence from my family: music. It was a constant challenge, but glimmering moments of success motivated me to keep trying. As my abilities improved, I began to experience those special moments more often. In fact, I began to experience something greater than creating art: witnessing that art having an impact. To explain how, allow me to set the stage: it’s a Friday night at a local open mic. There I am, armed with a journal of songs and a borrowed guitar- proudly sporting a beanie, even though it’s June. Family, friends, and strangers fill the audience. I couldn’t see them, but I could feel their energy. As I performed my song, everyone understood what I was singing about because they felt it in the music. Though my YouTube-taught guitar skills weren’t the best, I was able to present an authentic piece of myself in a creative way. I had given them what Calvin and Hobbes had given me: a work of art they could appreciate. That experience gave me a glimpse of the immense joy and fulfillment every artist feels. It was a stupendous feeling, and I knew I would chase it for as long as possible. So I began exploring- trying every creative medium I could. Music production, musical theater, new instruments, spoken word poetry, and photography are some of the passions I’ve discovered, each offering unique challenges and opportunities. I always find myself inspired by unique pieces of art. The world is filled with them, from incredible music to phenomenal comic strips. Knowing that someone might value something I create is equal parts terrifying, humbling, and fantastic. This fusion of feelings is the everything that continues to inspire my creative endeavors. Whether it be with a pencil, microphone, camera, or something else entirely, I’ll continue creating art that’s honest, important, and meaningful. Encouraging others to appreciate their lives, and the things that make them fulfilling. Exposing how the world is, and envisioning how it could be.

After waiting weeks for the book to arrive, I was ecstatic when I saw it in the library. It was large and heavy, about the size of two textbooks laid side by side. Many pages were held with tape, and the binding was falling apart. It was perfect, and I couldn’t wait to read it cover to cover, albeit very carefully: a complete volume of Calvin and Hobbes, the comic strip that changed my life. Great art has a way of defying expectations, and Calvin and Hobbes is no different. Though comics have a frivolous reputation, Calvin and Hobbes is a delicately nuanced work, both entertaining and inspirational. It was so much more than just a comic strip; it was a hilarious yet sincere piece of art that helped shape the person I am today. One afternoon, as I was re-reading one of the collections, it suddenly hit me: maybe I could create art that inspires others like Calvin and Hobbes inspires me. I never realized that art could move someone so deeply, yet Calvin and Hobbes had a profound impact on my values, emotions, and perception of the world. It was mind-blowing, so I had to give it a try. Throwing myself into creative pursuits, I focused on the already- prevalent influence from my family: music. I figured it wouldn’t be too difficult, right? Wrong. Music began as one of the most frustrating endeavors of my life. My family made playing the piano, singing, and songwriting look easy, but failures and embarrassments quickly disillusioned me. At times, I wanted to quit. However, I persisted because, amid numerous setbacks, there were moments when everything made sense. Moments when the piano became a seamless extension of myself. Moments when I found the perfect lyrics and the confidence to share them with others. Moments when I felt like Calvin greeting Hobbes after a long day at school- when one good could immediately outshine all the bad. These moments motivated me to keep trying. Though struggling was difficult, it gave me opportunities to grow as a musician. After all, failure builds character. As my abilities improved, I experienced those special moments more often. In fact, I began to experience something greater than creating art: witnessing that art having an impact. To explain how, allow me to set the stage: it’s a Friday night at a local open mic. There I am, armed with a journal of songs and a borrowed guitar- proudly sporting a beanie, even though it’s June. Family, friends, and strangers fill the audience. I can’t see any of them, but I can feel their energy. As I performed my song, everyone understood what I was singing about because they felt it in the music. Though my YouTube-taught guitar skills weren’t the best, I was able to present an authentic piece of myself in a creative way. I had given them what Calvin and Hobbes had given me: a work of art they could appreciate. That experience gave me a glimpse of the immense joy and fulfillment every artist feels. It was a stupendous feeling, and I knew I would chase it for as long as possible. So I began exploring- trying every creative medium I could. I’ve written, produced, and performed plenty of original songs and poems, even using my time in quarantine to develop my first-ever EP of music called On My Way. I’ve had an original musical theater song of mine mentored and recorded by professional musicians in New York. I’ve helped other students develop their own creative works through summer workshops and community events with a local nonprofit. I’ve discovered many passions over the years, each offering unique challenges and opportunities. I always find myself inspired by unique pieces of art. The world is filled with them, from incredible music to phenomenal comic strips. Knowing that someone might value something I create is equal parts terrifying, humbling, and fantastic. This fusion of feelings continues to inspire my creative endeavors. Whether it be with a pencil, microphone, camera, or something else entirely, I’ll continue creating art that’s honest, important, and meaningful. Encouraging others to appreciate their lives, and the things that make them fulfilling. Exposing how the world is, and envisioning how it could be.